THE POWER OF LOVE

For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

Love is an attitude, a commitment, a form of behavior, passionately demonstrated for the benefit of another without intentionally expecting a reward.

Ministering/Preaching works by love. Although we have a mandate to bring the good news of Christ to all creation and minister to the needs of people, our preaching and ministering must be carried out in love. Ephesians 4:15- But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ. The truth of God’s word must be done from the platform of love. We must learn from Jesus’ example. His success in ministry was hinged on love. See Hebrews 7:25-26- Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens. Intercession is an act of love. The reason Jesus is able to save is because He is a lover.

Before Christ committed the headship of His Church to Peter, He first had to ascertain that Peter had love for the ministry in his heart. See John 21:15-17- So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Paul said in 1Corinthians 13:1-2- Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.